OSF HealthCare announced on Mar. 31 new advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, emphasizing early detection and personalized care for men at risk.
Prostate cancer remains a significant health concern, with one in eight men expected to receive a diagnosis during their lifetime. Early detection is crucial, as it increases the chances of successful treatment. OSF HealthCare offers guidance on disease prevention and expert insights through its newsroom, according to the official website.
Dr. Salman Syed, a radiation oncologist with OSF HealthCare, said current treatment options are highly effective for those diagnosed at an early stage. “Most men diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early stage are successfully treated and remain cancer-free after therapy,” Syed said. He explained that screening using a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test is essential for detecting prostate cancer early: “It correlates with the amount of prostate tissue that you have.” He added that PSA levels below four are generally preferred but emphasized individualized decisions based on age and risk factors: “Some men can develop prostate cancer even with a relatively low PSA, which is why screening decisions should be individualized and discussed with a physician.”
Syed noted that individuals with strong family histories or certain genetic mutations may need earlier screenings: “Current guidelines recommend discussing PSA screening as early as age 40 to 45 for men with higher-risk features, including a family history of prostate cancer, African ancestry or certain inherited genetic mutations.” Genomic testing can further tailor treatments by analyzing gene activity within tumors.
The oncology program at OSF HealthCare uses advanced technologies such as multiparametric MRI (mpMRI), PSMA PET/CT scans, proton therapy, and high-dose-rate brachytherapy to detect cancers earlier and treat them more precisely while minimizing side effects. “One of the biggest advances we’ve seen in prostate cancer care is the ability to combine better imaging with more targeted treatments,” Syed said.
When comparing radiation versus surgery for treating prostate cancer, Syed said both options have similar success rates but differ in potential side effects: “The choice often comes down to differences in side effects and what best fits a patient’s lifestyle and priorities.” He recommended discussing these choices directly with an oncology team.
OSF HealthCare operates across Illinois and Michigan through its network of hospitals, clinics, urgent-care locations, outpatient facilities, emergency care services, heart services, neurological support programs and digital health options via OSF OnCall according to its official website. The organization functions as an integrated nonprofit health system focused on community service under one unified ministry dedicated to compassionate care.
Syed also encouraged healthy habits such as regular exercise while maintaining weight control: “Exercise helps decrease your risk of cancer.”
These developments reflect OSF HealthCare’s ongoing commitment to improving patient outcomes by providing comprehensive clinical support throughout urban and rural communities in Illinois and Michigan.
